What is Oracle APEX? The Ultimate Guide to Low-Code Application Development

Launching Business Applications Without Writing Thousands of Lines of Code. 

Sounds unreal? Not anymore. 

Welcome to Oracle APEX — the low-code development platform that redefines what speed and simplicity look like in software development.

But before diving into how Oracle APEX does it, let’s step back for a moment, and find out what exactly is low-code application development.

Low-Code Development Platform

A low-code development platform (LCDP) is a software development environment that allows users to create applications through visual programming. This means you can drag and drop components and configure workflows rather than writing extensive code. These platforms typically have pre-built components and templates, which help accelerate the development process and make it accessible to both technical and non-technical users.

Why Are Low-Code Solutions Popular?

Low-code platforms have emerged as a major force in the world of application development. Why? Because they promise to reduce the complexities of software development and empower businesses to create applications at a faster pace.

And, this is what fueling the low-code movement:

• Rapidly Changing Business Needs Markets are evolving quickly. Traditional development can’t keep up with the pace of innovation.
• Long Development Cycles
  Custom coding takes time — from gathering requirements to testing and deployment, the process is slow and resource-heavy.
• Developer Shortage
  Experienced developers are in short supply and high demand. Teams are often overburdened, delaying project timelines.

The Solution to all of these problems? Low-Code Development.

Gartner predicts that by 2026, 80% of software development will use low-code or no-code technologies.
Low-code platforms empower teams to build, test, and launch applications faster — without deep coding expertise. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to drive innovation and reduce dependency on overworked IT departments.

Benefits of Low-Code for Enterprises

For enterprises, the transition to low-code platforms offers multiple advantages

• Speed: Low-code platforms enable businesses to develop and deploy applications much faster.
• Cost Efficiency: By requiring fewer skilled developers and reducing development time, businesses can lower costs.
• Scalability: These platforms offer scalability, allowing businesses to quickly adapt and scale their applications in response to new requirements or market conditions.

Now that we have a broader understanding of low-code platforms, let’s delve into one of the most powerful low-code development solutions available—Oracle APEX.

What is Oracle APEX?

Oracle APEX is a low-code platform for rapidly developing web and mobile applications using a browser-based interface. It is built on top of Oracle’s robust database technology, which allows users to create applications that are data-driven, secure, and scalable.

Architecture of Oracle APEX

The architecture of Oracle APEX includes three layers—a web browser, the web server (Oracle REST Data Services), and an Oracle Database—ensuring data access with zero latency and smooth performance to the users.

Key Features of Oracle APEX

Oracle APEX empowers developers and business users alike to build sophisticated applications that are powerful, flexible, and ready for the future. Let’s talk about Oracle Apex’s features in detail! 

1. Low-Code Development

• Drag-and-drop UI design with minimal coding.
• Rapidly prototype and deploy fully functional apps.
• Focus on solving business problems, not writing boilerplate code.

2. Data-First Approach

• Build applications directly on top of Oracle databases.
• Use SQL and PL/SQL for complex logic and data manipulation.

3. Responsive Web Apps

• Fully responsive UI—works seamlessly across desktop, tablet, and mobile.
• Built-in templates ensure professional look and feel.

4. Extensibility

• Integrate JavaScript, RESTful APIs, and third-party libraries.
• Extend native functionality for custom solutions.

5. Secure by Design

• Built-in features for authentication, authorization, session state protection, and data encryption.
• Enterprise-level security is part of the core.

6. RESTful Web Services

• Consume and publish REST APIs effortlessly.
• Seamless integration with modern applications and external systems.

7. Data Visualization

• Rich charting and reporting tools.
• Interactive reports, dashboards, maps, and calendars built-in.

8. Built-in Productivity Apps

• Pre-built applications like Project Tracker, Survey Builder, and Bug Tracker to jumpstart development.
• Customize and deploy instantly.

9. Version Control & CI/CD Ready

• Export apps as code and integrate with DevOps tools.
• Supports versioning and collaborative development.

• Multilingual & Globalization Support
  
• Easily translate and localize applications for a global audience.
  

Why Choose Oracle APEX for Application Development?

Oracle APEX provides a wealth of benefits to businesses looking to streamline their application development processes and stay ahead of the competition. So, here are some topmost reasons/benefits to choose oracle APEX for to develop your next app: 

A). Low Development Costs

One of the most attractive features of Oracle APEX is its low-cost development. Businesses don’t need to rely on large teams of highly skilled developers for custom frontend development and extensive coding. 

• No need for large dev teams or heavy coding.
• Bundled with Oracle Database & available on OCI Free Tier.
• Reduced labor, licensing, and infrastructure costs.

b). Faster and Streamlined Deployment

Oracle APEX allows businesses to deploy applications quickly, which is crucial in today’s fast-moving business environment. 

• Pre-built components, templates, and guided wizards.
• Launch apps significantly faster than traditional development.

c). Built-in Security

Oracle APEX offers robust security features, including authentication, authorization, and encryption to protect both users and data. 

• Built-in authentication, authorization, and encryption.
• Protection against SQL injection & XSS.
• Secure file handling and role-based access controls.

d). Cloud & On-Premises Deployment

Oracle APEX can be deployed both in the cloud and on-premises, giving businesses the flexibility to choose the deployment method that best suits their needs. 

• Deploy on Oracle Cloud or on-premises.
• Scale easily in the cloud or retain control in local environments.

e). Built for SQL and PL/SQL Pros

Oracle APEX speaks the language of the database. Developers who know SQL and PL/SQL can hit the ground running—building robust, data-driven applications with ease. 

• Build robust, data-driven apps with familiar tools.
• Use PL/SQL for advanced business logic and workflow automation.

Need to go beyond CRUD operations? PL/SQL empowers you to implement complex business rules, automate backend workflows, and fine-tune performance—all within the same environment.

 

Use Cases of Oracle APEX

Oracle APEX is versatile and can be used to create a wide range of applications. Below are some common Custom Oracle APEX solutions for business: 

Internal Business Apps

APEX is ideal for building internal applications such as HR systems, financial tools, and inventory management applications. Its integration with Oracle Database makes it easy to create data-driven tools that improve business operations.

Mobile Apps

Businesses looking to engage users on mobile devices can use Oracle APEX to build mobile-friendly applications. The platform’s responsive design capabilities ensure that applications work seamlessly on smartphones and tablets, providing a consistent user experience across devices.

CRM and ERP Modules

APEX is frequently used to build custom CRM and ERP solutions. By leveraging Oracle APEX’s powerful reporting and data management capabilities, businesses can create highly customized CRM and ERP systems tailored to their specific needs.

Custom Data Management Solutions

For businesses that need customized data management applications, Oracle APEX offers a flexible platform for building tools like data entry forms, dashboards, and custom reporting tools. The seamless integration with Oracle databases makes it an excellent choice for businesses that rely heavily on data management.

Rapid Prototyping

Need to test an idea before committing resources? APEX makes prototyping fast and efficient. Developers can use prebuilt components to build functional proof-of-concept (POC) apps in record time. Collect user feedback early, iterate quickly, and validate business ideas before going all in.

Oracle APEX vs Traditional App Development – Which is better?

Still unsure about which one is better? Let’s find out the key differences between Oracle APEX and Traditional App Development so you can make a better decision!

Feature	Oracle APEX (Low-Code)	Traditional Development
Development Speed	Fast (hours/days)	Slow (weeks/months)
Cost	Low (fewer resources)	High (more developers)
Learning Curve	Moderate, visual tools	Steep, coding required
Maintenance	Easier, centralized	Complex, scattered fixes
Deployment	Flexible cloud/on-premises	Manual configurations

Conclusion

Oracle APEX offers a wealth of benefits, including rapid development, secure and scalable applications, and integration with Oracle Database. These features make APEX a powerful tool for businesses looking to streamline their application development process and create custom applications that meet their unique needs. The best part is this versatile platform can support everything from internal tools to customer-facing applications, offering businesses the flexibility and scalability they need to succeed.

How Aqlix IT Solutions Can Help You with Oracle APEX Services

At Aqlix IT Solutions, we specialize in delivering high-quality Oracle APEX development services. Our expert team can help you build powerful, data-driven applications quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re looking to create internal business apps, mobile applications, or custom data management solutions, we have the expertise to help you leverage Oracle APEX to its fullest potential.

Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you accelerate your application development with Oracle APEX and drive your business forward!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oracle APEX free to use?

Yes, Oracle APEX is free to use with Oracle Databases and within Oracle Cloud Infrastructure’s Free Tier. This makes it an affordable choice for businesses looking to build applications without additional licensing costs.

Who can use Oracle APEX?

Oracle APEX is designed for both professional developers and business users. Its low-code nature allows users with varying technical expertise to collaborate and create powerful applications.

What kind of applications can I build with Oracle APEX?

You can build a variety of applications, including internal business tools, data-driven dashboards, CRM systems, SaaS platforms, mobile apps, and much more. APEX is ideal for data-intensive applications and prototypes.

Can Oracle APEX integrate with other applications?

Yes, Oracle APEX supports integration with RESTful services, Oracle SaaS, third-party applications, and legacy systems, making it easy to extend the functionality of your apps.